Islamabad, Nov 22: The Punjab Transport Department has introduced a significant initiative to combat air pollution in Lahore by converting old petrol motorcycles into electric bikes.
Transport Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi revealed that the government will cover half of the conversion costs for motorcycle owners.
This project involves replacing traditional petrol engines with battery-powered systems, significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality.
A successful trial conversion has already been completed, with old petrol bikes successfully upgraded to electric models. The initiative will officially launch after further testing, which is being conducted by the University of Engineering and Technology (UET).
The conversion project is expected to begin between October and January, with all petrol bikes switched to battery-powered systems.
The Punjab Clean Air Program, in collaboration with the World Bank, is supporting the electric bike conversion project.
Additionally, the Punjab government has expanded its electric bike initiative, raising the number of bikes available to students from 20,000 to 27,200, with a focus on female students.
All female students who apply will be eligible to receive an electric bike as part of the affordable transportation effort.
